Hazel F. Bjornstad, 99

Hazel F. Bjornstad, 99, passed away Monday, Aug. 13, 2007, at the Village Health Care Center in Missoula. She was born March 10, 1908 in Muskogee, Okla., the daughter of Joe and Julia (Long) Deviney.

She was raised and educated in Clarksville, Texas.

She worked in the shipyards during World War II where she met her husband, James M. Bjornstad. They were married on Nov. 23, 1943, in Long Beach, Calif.

She, Jim and their son, Joe, moved to Whitefish in 1945 where they built and operated the Whitefish Motel. Jim passed away in 1980, then in 1982 Hazel moved to Missoula to be closer to her son where she resided until her death.

She was an excellent cook, seamstress and gardener.

Hazel was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary of Whitefish. She was also a life member of the Order of Eastern Star in Whitefish and, while living in Whitefish, was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; brothers, Elmer and Leon Deviney; a sister, Sybil Storm; and a nephew, Richard Flurry.

Hazel is survived by her son, Joe Bjornstad, of Missoula; and daughter-in-law Patricia, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Shari Goodmanson and husband, Dan, of Missoula, Susan Anton-Hruza and husband, Steve, of Whitefish, and Mark Bjornstad of Kalispell; and great-grandchildren, Jered and Airiell Anton of Whitefish, and Stephanie, Shay and Shannon Sweeney of Missoula; a cousin, June Parks, of Clarksville; and a nephew, Kenneth Flurry, and wife, Arlene, of Highlands Ranch, Colo.

Graveside services for Hazel will be held at noon today, Aug. 15, at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell, with Pastor Jeff Teeples officiating. There will be no visitation.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Christ Lutheran Church Building Fund, 233 Kalispell Avenue, Whitefish, MT 59937.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Hazel's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Hazel's guest book.